May 12, 2021

Pain Update

Well, it was a week ago that I said I was going to take a break--of everything--for at least a few weeks, in the hope that it would alleviate the chronic pain I've been experiencing since at least 2017. This pain has progressively been getting worse, to the point where it's unbearable sometimes, and I realized I hadn't taken a break from laborious projects since before I started remodeling the house in 2017. Jerry suggested I stop all physical activity and let my body rest for a while.

I am so thankful for all of the kind and helpful comments on that post! It was really great to read others' input, and it encouraged me to make an appointment with a rheumatologist. It wasn't easy getting an appointment, but I did manage to get in touch with someone today who can see me via video chat on the 28th of this month.

I really would prefer an in-person appointment, but doctors' offices are doing video for the time being because of COVID-19. The receptionist told me that the first appointment would basically be going over all of my symptoms and then the doctor will order tests based on the symptoms I'm having--so I'm good with that. I really just want to get the ball rolling with the correct tests so I can hopefully get some answers.

I've taken the past week off of physical activity, and it's been really hard! There are so many things I've wanted to do, but I wanted to give this a real try and see if I noticed an improvement in my symptoms.

And unfortunately, there is no difference at all. I still can't do anything without pain. It's only been a week, so I'm going to give it more time, but I thought I'd at least feel a little better by now.

Today was a bad day--I had a migraine. Until about five weeks ago, I'd never had a migraine before. I'd had severe headaches, but never what would be classified as a migraine. And good grief, I don't know how people who have frequent migraines live like that! It was so miserable. This morning, I had a second migraine. I couldn't move my head at all without my head feeling like it was going to explode. And I couldn't even keep my eyes open because the light was blinding.


I felt terrible because Eli had an appointment at the podiatrist at 9:00. With my head feeling like it did, I couldn't imagine driving; and the appointment was in Toledo, so Eli couldn't drive (his driving permit is only good in Michigan). Jerry had gotten home from work this morning and normally would go to bed, but he ended up taking Eli to his appointment. He didn't mind doing it, but I still felt bad.

My head finally felt better by early afternoon, but I've had a mild residual headache all day. I have no idea if the migraines are related to the pain in my joints, but I'm definitely going to talk to the doctor about it.

Eli had a baseball game this evening and I drove along one of my old favorite running routes. I used to do a 12-mile run (6 miles out and then back). Driving that route today made me wish so badly that I could be back at that point--where running 12 miles was no big deal. I would get it done in the morning and then relax the rest of the day, feeling a *good* ache in my muscles. At that point, I thought I'd always be a runner.

I still have hopes of getting back to it once I get this pain situation figured out (not necessarily 12-mile runs, but a 3-miler would be nice!). I never thought I'd feel nostalgic about running, but I really do.

Well, I've got to get up early tomorrow so I can go get my second COVID vaccine. I never thought I'd be looking forward to a vaccine so much!

14 comments:

  1. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear its not getting any better! :( And ugh migraines are the worst! I'm sure you read up on different treatments to help a migraine lol but what always helps me is ibuprofen, slam a high caffeine soda (usually Mountain Dew since we usually have that on hand) and sit in a "lotus" position (legs pretzel crossed basically haha) with your thumbs pressing to your middle fingers. Take some deep, mindful breaths. I know its hard with the head pain and a lot of people think I'm crazy but it really does help! I hope your appointment goes well! And good luck with round 2 of the vaccine!

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  2. Do some research on what foods are bad for inflammation. RA can easily flare with food also, it could be a good start to make.

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  3. Please do a food log if you don’t already. The 2 weeks of data will be very helpful for your upcoming doctor’s appointment. Food allergies can come on at any age. That is all. Wishing you the best.

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  4. Happy to hear you have an appointment even if it's telehealth. I sure hope you can get some relief. You are still a runner. Once you join the club, we never let you out! But I also get that longing to actually run. Sending all the good vibes for answers.

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  5. I really hope things improve soon. Headaches can come from lack of sleep which you said previously was a problem you had due to the pain. Just a thought.

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  6. Make sure they check you for Lyme Disease.

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  7. My husband is a general contractor and works physically all day long. He has arthritis is his big toes, which makes walking painful. He has had back issues for 20 years, which were treated with steroid injections when we used to have good insurance, he also has a plate in his collar bone due to an accident. He is also 15 years older then you. He gets up EVERY single day and goes to work, so we can pay for our Anthem BCBS health insurance (1,300 month) which we never use because it has a 7,000 deductible. I have IBS, crippling anxiety and panic attacks, high blood pressure and severe gastric reflux. I get up every day early to exercise and then go to work and then do all the stuff around the house that needs to be done. I'm also 15 years older then you. Reality check time.

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    1. Chris, I’m sorry that you are struggling, and am glad you have worked around your pain. But each of us have different lives, symptoms, diseases, etc, and there’s no need to judge someone for seeking a doctors expertise or trying to rest to see if it helps. Two years ago, I did my first half marathon, and now I have crippling inflammatory (autoimmune) arthritis and can’t walk half a mile. It’s not something I could prevent, and it is exhausting to treat. Please show a little respect.

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    2. yes. i can't believe the lack of perspective. and i know the answer is to stop reading this and i am finally done.

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    3. Wow Chris. Here's one thing you don't have: Empathy. Every single person's situation is different. Who gives you the right to pass judgement? Here's a reality check for you: keep your comments to yourself and move on. It's unbelievable that its 2021 and people still think its okay to troll on the internet.

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    4. I don't understand how yours and your husband's pain is supposed to heal Katie's. This is silly. You have no idea what Katie feels but there is no Olympics of Suffering so you don't need to compete.

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  8. Pain is pain and it is unique to each of us. We don’t need to compare our pain or compete with other people. Your reality and Katie’s reality can both exist. There’s no need to diminish someone else’s very real experience simply because you also have a very real experience with chronic pain.

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  9. I have had occasional migraines for years but during early Covid days they got horrible. I couldn't get a doctor's appointment and so, this probably sounds silly but my friend suggested I go to her accupuncturist because she was taking clients. The first thing she asked me was whether I'd ever tried a magnesium supplement. That was last summer and I have had 2 migraines since. Prior to that, I was getting 2 per week! I really think the magnesium helped. I also tried the accupunture and I found it relaxing but I don't know if you want to try needles. The magnesium can't hurt!

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  10. Katie! It’s Laura Barnes. I’m so sorry you’re having migraines and chronic pain 😩. Prayers and best wishes for feeling better fast! I hear you on missing running. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet and have to cool it for awhile.

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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